To those who follow recruiting in the state of Ohio, it comes as no surprise that Trotwood (Ohio) Madison junior linebacker Mike McCray is starting to blow up with offers. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound prospect had an outstanding junior season and was one of Ohio's top defensive players, regardless of class. College coaches have taken notice of McCray's big-time production and the athletic linebacker is quickly starting to add offers.

"It's real exciting," he said. "I'm really just taking it all in. I've got Boston College (in the past week) and my coach said I got Kentucky last week and I got Illinois before the state semi-finals. I haven't really got a chance to talk to any of those coaches yet."

Ohio State is also beginning to turn the heat up on McCray. Though the Buckeyes haven't offered yet, the interest has been picking up and McCray was an interested observer at Saturday's bowl practice over at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

"It was great," he said. "I got to meet Urban Meyer and talk to coach (Mike) Vrabel) and coach (Luke) Fickell. They said they liked me a lot and they want to see my junior film so I have to send that to them."

Like most prospects on Ohio State's radar, McCray has heard the news about the NCAA sanctions handed down on Tuesday.

"I was surprised," he said. "I thought they were done with it but then they came back and gave them more sanctions. It doesn't really affect my view of Ohio State."

McCray is currently sitting on seven total offers, a number that will surely increase as junior film gets out. During the process, McCray has been consistent in only listing schools that have offered as favorites, though he did say Ohio State would shoot towards the top of his list if the Buckeyes were to extend an offer.

"It would put them in the top two with Tennessee," he said. "(Tennessee) has shown me a lot of attention and they have great facilities, a great program and great coaches."

McCray is just a few weeks removed from winning a state championship but is already getting back to work.

"I've been working out with Cam (Burrows) and Bam (Bradley)," he said. "I'm working on my strength, speed, and conditioning, just staying in shape. I'm just working hard to try and make it to college and also get back to the state championship."

McCray is the No. 9 ranked player in the BuckeyeGrove.com class of 2013 Ohio rankings.